A Thousand Dollars in Chechnya in the Mawlid Month… Why?

Ramazan Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Republic, announced a prize of one thousand dollars given from a charity association, established by his mother, for every family that names its new born with the name “Muhammad”. He didn’t mention if this prize includes Families who live abroad. 

According to “Novosto” news agency, as the approach of commemoration  Prophet Muhammad’s peace be upon him birth, Ramazan Kadyrov announced that the charity association established by his mother “Ayman Kadyrova” is giving a prize of one thousand dollars for every family that names its new born baby with the name “Muhammad” or any name as of Prophet Muhammad’s wives, children or any name of the best ten companions of Prophet Muhammad. 

This is not the first time Kadyrov gives such a prize. About five years ago, Kadyrov gave prizes to every woman who gave birth to a baby boy and names him Muhammad on the day of Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary. The prize was about fifty thousands RUB  ($1117)  which was higher than a double of average income in the country.

The name “Muhammad” is popular in Caucasus Region. The head of the Chechen Republic started many years ago to promote for the Islamic traditions, values and culture in his country where the the majority of the population are Muslims fighting the Wahhabi thoughts and beliefs. Implanting Muslims values in his county such as asking women who work in the government to wear hijab and banned Alcohol drinking.